Food processors are kitchen powerhouses. You can own a processor for years and still be discovering new uses and applications for it. Food prep, cooking, baking and everything in between becomes easier than ever with a high-quality model of this dependable, must-have tool.

Food Processor Ideas

Breakfast: Using shredding disc attachments, make homemade shredded hash browns with ease. Add seasoning, mold into patties if you like and fry or bake until golden brown on the top and soft in the middle. If you're making homemade pancakes or waffles, use it to mix together your batter. First evenly incorporate all your dry ingredients by giving them a whirr. Then add in your liquids. Let the mixer go until the batter is a smooth consistency, and you're ready to cook.

Lunch: Create a creamy, hearty soup to go along with your grilled cheese, deli meat or vegetable sandwich. Steam or boil broccoli and green peas while simultaneously sauteeing onion and garlic in an oiled pan. Once everything is heated through, toss into the machine. Sprinkle in your favorite white cheese, as well as a pinch or two of salt and pepper. If you prefer a lighter side dish, dress a mixed green salad a tahini-date dressing. Combine tahini, dates, lemon juice, salt and pepper in the base, cover and pulse until smooth and creamy. Add a touch of oil or water if necessary.

Snack: Concoct a healthy, tasty hummus with ease. Simply combine canned garbanzo beans, tahini or sesame paste, garlic, onion powder and spice in the processor and flip it on. Then slowly add olive oil until it's a smooth, rich consistency. Use raw sliced vegetables and toasted pita bread triangles for dippers. You can even use the tool to chop up your side veggies. Other snack ideas include chunky chopped salsas, smooth guacamole and homemade nut butters, made only with you nut of choice, oil and salt.

Dinner: With an attachment, you can use your processor to grind down cubed cuts of meat to create tasty ground beef tacos, enchiladas, pasta bakes and more. Use it to shred your cheese topping as well. For your starchy side, throw steamed or boiled white, red or russet potatoes into the bowl with a few dashes of milk, softened butter, garlic and green onion. Process until it reaches the desired consistency and add sprinkle a tablespoon of fresh green onion on top before serving. If you need to chop a sizable amount of veggies, simply put them through shredding or julienning attachment for easy cutting.

Dessert: Healthy, dairy-free ice cream is just the click of a button away. Combine a couple of frozen bananas, chunked, with a splash of vanilla and pulse until broken down enough to blend smooth. You may have to let the bananas defrost for 10 minutes before throwing them in. Add cocoa powder and a teaspoon or two of brown sugar for a sweet chocolate-flavored dessert. Chop walnuts or pecans to top in the processor as well. For more involved dessert options, use to make pie crusts and sweet doughs—the options are endless.